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His loyalty was highlighted this season when he agreed to a three-year contract extension. He will remain with the Roos until at least 2022. He had the option of exploring free agency but was keen to remain a key player under new coach Rhyce Shaw.

“I can’t imagine playing for any other club and leaving never crossed my mind,” Cunnington said in June.

“They’ve [Kangaroos] shown full support and belief in me to be the person I am today."

He was named in the initial All-Australian squad in a year when he had an equal career-high 14 clearances in round 12 against Gold Coast and 37 touches against Port Adelaide in round 22.

Tarrant was typically strong in defence, where he led the Kangaroos in marks (137), intercept marks (47) and spoils (139). His ability to use the ball well was also on show, finishing with an 86 per cent disposal efficiency. He was named Shinboner of the year.

Ruckman Todd Goldstein, who has agreed to terms on a three-year extension, finished third on countback, edging out midfielder Trent Dumont. In a year where his future was the subject of speculation, Goldstein averaged 33 hit-outs and 17 disposals in form reminiscent of his 2015 All-Australian campaign.

Cunnington, a 209-game veteran, was also one of three men awarded life membership, joining teammate Jamie Macmillan and Dean Laidley, the former Kangaroos coach and 1996 premiership player.

SYD BARKER MEDAL

Ben Cunnington 242
Robbie Tarrant 227
Todd Goldstein 192*
Trent Dumont 192
Ben Brown 190*
Jack Ziebell 190
Jared Polec 184
Shaun Higgins 170
Jasper Pittard 169
Shaun Atley 158
* Finishes higher on countback